5 Best Oils For FASTER Hair Growth 🙌🏽
Do you remember those good old days when your mother or grandmother would sit you down and give you a relaxing head massage with hot oils? In India, this has been a tradition for years now and oils are considered one of the biggest secrets of envy-worthy hair.
Over time, a number of oils have come into the market that promise to promote hair growth. But that leaves you a tad bit confused, isn’t it? This is why we have decided to explain how hair oils exactly work in enhancing your hair growth and what kind of ingredients you should look for.
Highlights:
Do Hair-Growth Oils Really Promote Hair Growth?
Several scientific studies suggest that certain oils do boost hair growth. The concentrations that you use them in are equally important though. Before we get to the list of oils that promote hair growth, let’s answer some basic questions.
Essential Oils Vs Carrier Oils
Essential oils are the best bet when it comes to treating specific hair concerns. They target your scalp related issues and address your concerns accordingly. Carrier oils should ideally be used to dilute your essential oils. This should be done to ensure its safety for use on the body.
Which Carrier Oil Should You Use?
It is important to choose a carrier oil based on your scalp type. If you have an oily scalp, a light-weight carrier oil like grapeseed or almond oil should be used. If your scalp is too dry, using a heavy-weight carrier oil like coconut oil can help soothe your irritation.
10 Essential Oils To Boost Hair Growth
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is effective in enhancing hair growth, especially during the anagen (growing) phase. This essential oil increases blood flow to your scalp that may help improve the strength of your follicles.
A study conducted on mice showed that peppermint oil increased the number of hair follicles on them (1). They also improved follicle depth, which in turn improved hair growth.
How To Use:
- Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
- Massage into your hair and leave it on for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse off with shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.
2. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil is effective in improving your hair thickness. It also aids in hair growth.
Studies suggest that rosemary essential oil is as effective as minoxidil in improving hair growth (2). Minoxidil is commonly prescribed to enhance hair growth. It was also found that rosemary oil had fewer side-effects as compared to minoxidil.
How To Use:
- Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with coconut oil and apply to your scalp.
- Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off completely with shampoo and conditioner.
- 2-3 times of application per week is recommended.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is capable of generating new skin cells that can aid in hair growth. Its antibacterial properties can contribute to a clean scalp, which is required to maintain healthy hair.
A study conducted on mice found that lavender oil enhanced and sped-up the hair growth process (3).
How To Use:
- Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil.
- Massage the mixture onto your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with cold water and shampoo.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is packed with powerful antimicrobial properties that help cleanse your scalp. Tea tree essential oil comes in various concentrations. So talk to your dermatologist before you incorporate it into your hair care regimen.
Studies suggest that this oil when mixed with minoxidil is effective in treating hair loss (4). However, there is not much evidence on using it alone to help your hair grow.
How To Use:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with your shampoo.
- Apply it on your scalp and gently massage.
- You can also add a few drops of this oil to your carrier oil and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with shampoo.
5. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang hair oil is effective in reducing breakage. It enhances sebum production in your scalp.
However, if you’re somebody with a greasy scalp, this may not be the best option for you. If your scalp is dry and flaky, ylang-ylang oil can prove to be effective in soothing your scalp as well as improving the texture of your hair.
How To Use:
- Mix a few drops of ylang-ylang hair oil with 2 tablespoons of a warm carrier oil.
- Massage it into your scalp.
- Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse off thoroughly with shampoo.
6. Thyme
This oil can help enhance hair growth. It penetrates through your skin to stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Thyme is said to be effective in treating an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata that results in unpredictable hair loss (5).
How To Use:
- Add two drops of thyme essential oil to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice.
- Massage the mixture onto your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off the mixture with shampoo thoroughly.
7. Cedarwood Oil
This oil is said to balance your sebaceous glands that produce oil in your scalp. It has oil-balancing properties that may reduce hair loss.
Studies suggest that cedarwood oil can help reduce hair fall caused by alopecia areata (6).
How To Use:
- Mix 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil.
- Apply it to your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with shampoo.
8. Clary Sage Essential Oil
The clary sage essential oil contains linalyl acetate that is effective in boosting hair growth. It also strengthens your hair, making it less prone to breakage.
How To Use:
- Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil to your favorite conditioner.
- While you condition your hair, leave it on for at least 2 minutes before you rinse it off.
9. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil is essential to maintain a healthy scalp. It speeds up wound-healing and reduces inflammation. It also possesses antimicrobial properties that are vital to maintain good scalp health and promote healthy hair (7).
How To Use:
- Mix a few drops of bergamot oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
- Apply to your scalp and leave the mixture on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with shampoo thoroughly.
10. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is usually used as a carrier oil, but is effective in promoting hair growth. It is derived from the Zizyphus jujube plant. According to studies, jojoba oil increases the pace at which a person’s hair grows (8).
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Essential oils are quite strong. They may cause allergic reactions if used in large amounts. If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch-test before applying an essential oil to your scalp.
The symptoms of allergic reactions include:
- Irritated/red skin
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin
- Severe dermatitis
- Itchy, painful rashes
- Swelling of the tongue
Wrapping Up
Now you know that essential oils must always be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch-test before applying an essential oil to your skin/scalp. A number of essential oils including lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood are effective in boosting hair growth. Some carrier oils like jojoba oil can also be used to improve hair growth. So use them the right way to start noticing new strands of hair!
